The International Foundation Year Program consists of two semesters. The program is designed as follows:
Core Modules: Mandatory modules that all International Foundation Year students take
Tracks: Students take two modules from one track in their chosen field of studies
Undergraduate Module: All students have the option to take two undergraduate modules (Qualification Pathway: from the chosen field of studies / Orientation Pathway: all modules available)
The core modules are integral parts of the program and provide you with interdisciplinary basic skills. They are designed to enhance your academic and personal skills.
This module will prepare you for using English in academic settings and conducting research.
Upon joining the program, you will be given a Mathematics placement test which will determine whether you take the basic or advanced route. Both are designed to develop your skills around mathematics and statistics. In the second semester, you will take a specialized math course for your chosen track.
Learn the basics of coding, which is becoming relevant for all study programs, regardless of degree.
This module has been specially designed to enable you to progress on to your undergraduate studies. It focuses on increasing the self-competence and social skills necessary to flourish in a university environment.
It also provides you with general skills which not only pave your way for success academically but which are also skills for life, related to the professional standards required in the world of employment.
Specialized training in the first semester to ace the entrance exam (TestAS) for Jacobs University and guarantee your place in an undergraduate program.
*This module applies only to students who have to take the TestAS as their entrance examination to study at Jacobs University. Students who already hold a German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) do not take this module and choose a language course instead.
Through a combination of core modules and subject-specific study, you will develop the skills you need to succeed at university. Our program offers you three tracks to choose from that act as a pathway to a degree at Jacobs University.
Learn how to work within organizations and with other people! This track will qualify you for the Diversity undergraduate programs.
Prepare yourself to work in a digitalized tech environment! This track will qualify you for the Mobility undergraduate programs.
Explore our natural world and discover how it works! This track will qualify you for the Health undergraduate programs.
The choice is yours! A big variety of undergraduate program courses is open to you. Get a head start on your lectures to experience undergraduate-level courses without any pressure. If you want, you can already earn credit points (ECTS) that are transferable into your future undergraduate studies at Jacobs University.
| Undergraduate Program | Module Name |
| Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology |
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| Society, Media, and Politics |
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| International Relations: Politics and History |
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| International Business Administration / Global Economics and Management |
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| Undergraduate Program | Module Name |
| Industrial Engineering & Management |
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| Electrical and Computer Engineering |
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| Computer Science |
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| Mathematics |
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| Undergraduate Program | Module Name |
| Chemistry and Biotechnology |
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| Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
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| Physics |
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| Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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The International Foundation Year prepares you for an undergraduate degree program of your choice at Jacobs University. You have the choice between a big variety of subjects ranging from the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering to the social sciences and economics. Discover your dream program now.
To progress directly into your chosen undergraduate degree course at Jacobs University, students from the Qualification Pathway need to successfully complete the International Foundation Year and achieve a minimum score on the entrance exam (TestAS).
| Semester dates | Arrival | Start of teaching | End of teaching | Exam weeks | Weeks |
| Fall, 2022 | 26 August 2022 | 1 September 2022 | 7 December 2022 | 12 – 22 Dec 2022 | 14+1 |
| Spring, 2023 | - | 1 February 2023 | 12 May 2023 | 17 – 30 May 2023 | 14+1 |
Do you have questions or would you like to be consulted personally? We are happy to help you with your inquiry.
Leave us a message or contact us directly:
Tel: +49 (421) 2004313
Skype: foundationyear
Email: foundationyear [at] jacobs-university.de
Please consult our frequently asked questions page, too: FAQ.
Learn more about the International Foundation Year by downloading our flyer or the program handbook 2021/2022.
